Cat Kidney and Urinary Disease in Gwinnett County
Despite the fact that cats are very independent and stoic pets, they still require regular veterinary checkups to ensure that they are in optimal health. At Abbott Animal Hospital, we are committed to delivering the highest quality care to pets and the best service to pet owners.
Why does my cat pee outside the litterbox?
When House-soiling occurs, your cat may be communicating that something is wrong, which could be due to an underlying medical condition, stress or anxiety, or a problem with the litter box setup itself. It is important to rule out health issues first.
The very first step is a visit to the veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical problems. They can perform a physical exam and necessary tests (like a urinalysis).
What is Kidney Failure in cats?
Kidney failure, or renal failure, in cats is a serious condition where the kidneys can no longer efficiently filter waste products from the blood or perform other vital functions. It can be either acute (sudden onset, potentially reversible) or chronic (gradual, progressive, and not curable.)
What are the signs of kidney failure in cats?
- Lethargy: The cat is unusually tired and has low energy.
- Weight loss: The cat loses weight, which can be gradual or sudden.
- Vomiting: The cat may vomit, sometimes with blood in it.
- Decreased appetite: The cat eats less or stops eating altogether.
- Poor coat condition: The cat’s coat may look dull or unkempt.
- Other signs: Bad breath (often with a chemical odor), diarrhea, hiding, and poor dental health can also occur.
- Increased thirst and urination: The cat drinks and urinates more than usual.
What are the treatments for kidney failure in cats?
Treatment aims to slow the disease’s progression and manage symptoms. It may include:
- Intravenous (IV) fluids to correct dehydration.
- Special therapeutic diets.
- Appetite stimulants to make sure adequate calories are eaten prevents further burden on the kidneys
- Probiotics, prebiotic will reduce toxin reabsorption from the intestines and maintain good appetite
- Medications or supplements.
- In cases of acute failure, treatments can sometimes reverse the condition if caught early.
- Controlling high blood pressure with medications is important to preserve the function that is remaining
Cat Urinary Obstruction
A urinary blockage in cats is a painful and life-threatening emergency where a cat’s urethra is obstructed, preventing urine from passing. Key signs include frequent, painful urination with little to no output, straining, and excessive genital licking. This condition is most common in male cats and can be caused by mucus, crystals, or stones, with stress and diet playing significant roles. Immediate veterinary care is required to unblock the urethra and prevent fatal complications.
What are the signs of cat urinary blockage?
- Vocalizing or crying in pain while attempting to urinate
- Excessive licking of the genital area
- Bloody or cloudy urine
- Lethargy, hiding, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Restlessness
- Straining to urinate, frequent trips to the litter box with little to no urine
Urinary blockage is an emergency
- Do not wait: Urinary blockage is painful. Waiting can lead to a fatal buildup of toxins in the bloodstream within 24-48 hours. The longer a cat is blocked, the more urgent the treatment and the higher the cost. It can also lead to more severe complications.
- Do not attempt home treatment: Home remedies can waste critical time and put your cat’s life at risk.
- Seek immediate veterinary care: A urinary blockage is a life-threatening emergency that requires urgent medical attention.
At Abbott Animal Hospital, we are committed to delivering the highest quality and best service to pet owners, so please don’t hesitate to contact us today with any questions or concerns about your cat’s urinary tract health.
If you live in or near Lilburn, GA, and are looking for pet care, contact us at 770.921.2121 to set an appointment. You can also email us at serviceabbottanimal@gmail.com. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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